The restaurants below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over €65)
$$$ (€50 to 65)
$$ (€35 to €50)
$ (up to €35)
These prices are for a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine or equivalent.

The Ivory Tower
The Ivory Tower is run by Seamus O'Connell, one of Ireland's most original and famous chefs. With experience from Mexico as well as Japan, he has described his cooking as ‘trans-ethnic fusion'. Emphasis is given to high-quality local and organic ingredients and to harmonious complexity in flavours and textures. The result is consistently delicious and exciting.

The Exchange Buildings, 35 Princes Street
Tel: (021) 427 4665.
Price: $$$$

Café Paradiso
This is the best vegetarian restaurant in Cork (and possibly in Ireland). On offer is award-winning and highly original vegetarian fusion food based on local and seasonal ingredients. Critics and other guests have been singing the restaurant's praises for many years, and with good reason. Vegetarian cuisine doesn't get much better than this.

16 Lancaster Quay
Tel: (021) 427 7939.
Website: www.cafeparadiso.ie
Price: $$$

Jacob's on the Mall
Jacob's is a modern, 130-seat restaurant in Cork's financial district. Located in the city's old Turkish baths, it has an unusual, intriguing atmosphere. The cuisine is modern European, and the food is characterised by imaginative cooking and the blending of fresh, local and organic ingredients.

30A South Mall
Tel: (021) 425 1530.
Website: www.jacobsonthemall.com
Price: $$$

Prime at Clancy's
Clancy's is a popular bar and restaurant establishment in the city centre. The restaurant is called Prime, and specialises in steaks. Poultry, fish and vegetarian dishes are also on the menu, but steaks are undoubtedly Prime's forte.

15-16 Princes Street
Tel: (021) 427 6097.
Website: www.clancys-bar.com
Price: $$

Café Bar Deli
Friendly and unpretentious, the Café Bar Deli is a lively place offering generous portions of tasty, quality Mediterranean food made from fresh ingredients. Prices are reasonable both for food and drinks.

Academy Street
Tel: (021) 485 1865.
Website: www.cafebardeli.ie
Price: $